Yuengling, Nation's Oldest Brewer, Eyes Return To Connecticut

Yuengling beer should soon be available again in Connecticut, according to the Connecticut Beer Wholesalers Association.

The company responded Monday on Twitter that it is "looking at our distribution options and timing."

The beer was available in Connecticut until 1996 when the brewer's capacity was inadequate to meet demand. Yuengling, based in Pottsville, Pa., withdrew from Connecticut and New England and focused on its core markets.

Since then it has dramatically expanded production capacity and moved back into some old markets. The beer went on sale in Massachusetts in March.

Jude Malone, executive director the Connecticut Beer Wholesalers Association, said distributors that handled Yuengling before its departure from the state retained the right to carry it upon its return. Yuengling, however, wanted to be able to make contracts with new wholesalers, she said.

The distributors agreed to release Yuengling from those old agreements, she said.

"They are now going through the process of interviewing wholesalers," Malone said. "We anticipate they'll be back in Connecticut in 2014." Yuengling could be back as soon as this summer, she added, although no hard date has been set.

Yuengling officials have also met with state liquor control officials.

The company's chief operating officer told the wholesalers association that its action will allow Yuengling to resumeselling beer in Connecticut in 2014.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. is owned and operated by Richard L. "Dick" Yuengling, Jr. The privately held company is the nation's oldest brewer, established in 1829.

The company is best known for its Traditional Lager, but also makes a black and tan, porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale, and a light beer.